In the wake of wildfires that ravaged communities in Alberta and British Columbia, Revelstoke resident Debbie Bye found a way to offer solace and sustenance to those fleeing the devastation: hot dogs.In the wake of wildfires that ravaged communities in Alberta and British Columbia, Revelstoke resident Debbie Bye found a way to offer solace and sustenance to those fleeing the devastation: hot dogs. Driven by a sense of helplessness, Bye embarked on a mission to grill hot dogs for evacuees at the Revelstoke Service Stop. Armed with her Jeep and grill, she set up shop on Thursday and Friday, July 25 and 26, and planned to return on Saturday, July 27. Her gesture was met with an outpouring of gratitude and support. Evacuees, weary and hungry, expressed their appreciation for her kindness. The community rallied around Bye’s cause, contributing fresh fruits, vegetables, and even monetary donations, including a substantial $100 from Dan Boltwood. One particularly poignant encounter occurred with a group of evacuees from Jasper who had fled with only the clothes on their backs. Bye’s hot dogs provided a respite from their traumatic experience. Bye also offered a listening ear to those seeking solace and conversation. Her act of grilling hot dogs not only provided nourishment but also served as a symbol of support and compassion. For Bye, it was a way to make a difference in the lives of those affected by the wildfires. She said, “What I saw affected me. I can’t imagine being in that situation.” In the face of adversity, Bye’s simple act of grilling hot dogs became a testament to the resilience and humanity that can emerge during times of crisis.
Revelstoke resident Debbie Bye grills hot dogs for evacuees fleeing wildfires.
Helplessness is not in the vocabulary of Revelstoke resident Debbie Bye.
Like many others, she wondered what she could do to help after watching wildfires devastate towns like Jasper, Alberta, and Golden, British Columbia.
“I’ve read about people opening up their homes, but that’s not the case for me. So I thought, what can I do?” Bye said.
The answer to that question was hot dogs. Bye loaded her Jeep with her grill and headed to the Revelstoke Service Stop on Thursday, July 25 and Friday, July 26 to grill hot dogs for evacuees. She will be back on Saturday, July 27 at 2 p.m.
The response from evacuees and the community has been overwhelming, with people bringing fresh fruits, vegetables, and money, including a $100 donation from Dan Boltwood to support her cause.
Bye was able to feed a group of fleeing Jasper who left with only the clothes on their backs. “They had less than three hours to get out of Jasper… when they saw me, they were pretty tired and hungry,” Bye said.
In addition to feeding evacuees, Bye was also able to offer support when people stopped for respite and conversation. Bye recalled a woman who fled Jasper, a hotel manager, and had to make sure her 50 employees got out safely. “She came by and chatted with us for a while, and she also left with just the clothes on her back,” Bye said.
She referred the hotel manager to the thrift stores in town.
For Bye, the decision to make hot dogs for the evacuees was an easy one. “What I saw affected me. I can’t imagine being in that situation,” Bye said.
